Lydia Larue's Blog, page 9

Book Review : Vivan’s Love Story

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Book: Vivan’s Love Story by Himanshu Arora

Genre: Romance

Published: Feb. 28th, 2016

Pages: 306 Pages

Summary: Following your heart is not always advisable, it could also lead to a disaster !

Life of Dr. Vivan Dhanraj was based on such assumptions. But still he fell in for Sayra on the day her father died.

He knew that she was from another religion. He also came to know things about her that made conditions more complicated.

But as it said, love knows no boundaries.

But is it true ?????

Book Review: Vivan’s Love Story is told in First Person Narration, through Vivan’s eyes. It is set in India. Arora paints the culture through the use of dialog. Myself, I have never been outside of the US, so I cannot comment on the accuracies of the region. I did find it fascinating, however.

I felt that the inclusion of the poems gave this story a nice touch. They also gave additional insight into Vivan’s feelings.

My first impression of Vivan was that he seemed to want a serious relationship with a girl. He also seemed to be the voice of reason with his friends. I found his character immediately likable, and I am sure that there are men out there that would find him relatable.

The interactions between Sayra and Vivan was sweet. She seemed unable to believe that she was his muse even when he admitted it. When she mentioned that hurt Vivan reacted as one thinks they would in that situation.

Arora is great at telling how a person would react in a difficult circumstance. After a tragic event, I found Sayra’s reaction appropriate. Given the situation.

There are times that I feel that a better word could have been chosen than what was. This is a very small nitpick, and it didn’t take away my joy reading the novel.

I would recommend Vivan’s love story for anyone who enjoys a read about what it take to overcome the odds in love.

Each category below can earn a maximum of five stars. At the beginning of the review, every novel starts with 1 ★ (star). The novel can earn a total of 5 stars.

Disclaimer and Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided by the Author and |or publisher.

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Book Review : Under a Croatian Sun

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Book: Under a Croatian Sun by Anthony Stancomb

Genre: Travel

Published: August 13th, 2014

Pages: 263 pages

Summary: ‘Looking for a good holiday read try Under a Croatian Sun. A story about cultural difference and acceptance. For fans of Driving Over Lemons, Under a Tuscan Sun and A Year in Provence, this is a funny, heart-warming holiday read for people of all ages.’

Mature Times

‘A charming true story of a couple who move from London to a rustic Croatian island.’

Choice magazine

‘A good read.’

Tariq Ali

A London art dealer and his wife, tired of the stress and turmoil of metropolitan life, discover the idyllic island of Vis.

Impulsively they sell their home and business, say farewell to their adult children and move to the island, but being the first foreigners to live on the island, the close-knit community is highly suspicious of them.

The book charts their attempts to gain acceptance and the many rebuffs that they suffer. Their efforts often land them in very awkward (and sometimes hilarious) situations, but they persist and find themselves caught up in the bitter rivalries, love affairs and family dramas of the village.

Through this they learn a lot about the islanders’ attitude to marriage, morality, health and death, and the effect that communism has had on everyone’s lives.

Book Review: Under a Croatian Sun tells the story of a couple from London moving to the island of Vis, and it accomplishes this in the first person–in the man’s POV.

Stancomb has a delightful command over description. I enjoyed the way he describes the ferry pulling into port. The sight of the seamen shouting as they pulled ropes and the sound of the grinding metal as the ferry pulled into port stuck out to me.

As someone who has never been outside of the US, it took me some time with the different names for buses, etc. However, this did not distract from the quality of the book.

I liked seeing his first impressions and some confusion when he first arrived at the island: the interaction between the women. The marketplace seemed to be bustling.

When Ivana was introduced, I liked her. She seemed to be a bit down to earth, but she did seem to be concerned how others viewed her husband. For example, toward the middle of the novel, she remarked on the clothes the main character wore. I think that for some people–men and women, alike–this reaction is normal.

When the above incident occurred, I felt sorry for the man. I thought that he should be able to dress the way he wanted to dress, especially if he was trying to fit in with a group of men who had a similar style as him.

Although cricket is not something that I have ever taken part in, I enjoyed reading about it.

I would recommend Under a Croatian Sun to anyone who likes to read about exotic locations, a person’s impressions on living in a new place, and cricket. It was a fascinating read.

 

Each category below can earn a maximum of five stars. At the beginning of the review, every novel starts with 1 ★ (star). The novel can earn a total of 5 stars.

Disclaimer and Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided by the Author and |or publisher.

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Darkness – Spooky Halloween Story

As Halloween rounds the corner, I thought that I would write something special for the holiday. If you follow my Goodreads author account, then you should know that I enjoy reading horror novels.

Shadows of a thousand years unseen, Voices whisper in the trees, “Tonight is Halloween.” – Dexter Kozen

When I look outside when night approaches, I can see the warm glow of my neighbor’s jack-o-lantern, hear the joyful cheer of my daughter planning this year’s Halloween costume, and the taste of my delightful pumpkin latte. Don’t you just love the feeling of fall?

To celebrate this spooky holiday, I thought that I would regale you–my loyal readers–with a horror short story.

“Darkness” – written by Lydia Larue

Darkness.

I was submerged in complete darkness, and I couldn’t see where I was. Silence surrounded me. Pressure thudded between my ears; my head pounded in my chest. My breath gushed out between my parted lips.

When I was journeying to my friend’s house for her Halloween party, a large animal darted out from the woods on the left side of the road.

I don’t know where I am. As my shoulder throbbed, I tried to remember the last thing that happened to me before I awoke plunged in blackness.When I was journeying to my friend’s house for her Halloween party, a large animal darted out from the woods on the left side of the road.

Then, the dreaded thump echoed in my car as I ran over the animal. I didn’t know what it was, but it was as big as a large German Shepard.

After I got out of the car, a pair of bright lights obscured my vision of the animal beneath my vehicle. That was all that I remembered.

My long hair brushed against the wounds carved into my cheeks. I squinted. I was able to make out shapes–the floor beneath me slicked with blood–in the darkness.

I am hanging upside down! I screamed to myself. Rope lashed my wrists together, and another cord lashed my legs. There was a large hook that I was suspended from.

I am hanging upside down! I screamed to myself. Rope lashed my wrists together, and another cord lashed my legs.

The hook suspending from the ceiling could have been anything. However, images of pigs hanging in a slaughterhouse as their blood drained from their bodies in torrents of crimson rivers flickered through the darkened confines of my mind.

“Help me!” I screamed and tried to move against my bindings, and the rope slid against my flesh. Agony erupted from my skin. Blood dripped down my fingers and with a splashing sound, my life fluid landed on the floor.

Another breath echoed in the small room. It sounded as if the other person was right next to me.

I’m not alone! The hair on my arms stood on end, and a shiver slithered up my spine. I struggled once more. However, all that managed to accomplish was sending my body gently swaying back and forth.

“Stop struggling, Elizabeth,” the shrouded figure spoke, his voice booming eerily in the immense darkness surrounding me.

Why is he calling me Elizabeth? That was not my name. Horror overwhelmed me. I was going to die because of a mistaken identity. I was never going to see my family again. They would find my car abandoned on that wooded road. Why did I insist on going to that party?

“I’m not Elizabeth,” I pleaded.

“Of course, you are Elizabeth. It had taken some time to find you, my love, but nonetheless, I have. I could never forget the curves of your body, the sounds of your screams as we join together. Remember how you started off rejecting me, but at the end you loved it?”

“Someone help me!” I screamed again. Tears course down my face, dripping off of my cheeks to join the pool of blood beneath me.

“No one can hear you, Beth. Just like last time, we are alone.”

He approached me, and he carried a container full of foul-smelling green liquid.

Feces! I jerked my head away from him and gagged. What did he expect to do with that? I had an idea. However, the thought was too terrifying to consider.

The man pulled open my mouth, shoved the malignant concoction inside, and I vomited. Vomitus slid up my nostrils, causing me to let loose another stream, and burned my eyes.

“We’re going to have so much fun,” he promised. He set down the Tupperware, retrieved a small knife from a table likely beside me, and held my face in a steel-iron grip with his other hand. “You always wanted to be a star, Liz. Like I did in the 40’s, I’m gonna make you a star again, baby!”

“Please!” I cried out. “Let me go. I am not this Elizabeth.”  I knew that my demented attacker still thought that I was another woman. Who I did not know? I have never wanted to be an actress. In fact, at twenty-two, I considered myself rather successful, but I was not a star.

I was to publish the first novel in a series of novels. After many rejection notices, I had secured my agent. She had bright hopes for me, and now, this man was ruining it all.

“No,” he protested again. “You are Elizabeth. You look just the same. Your dark hair was shorter then. But you are still my Beth. All mine.”

The knife sliced through the corner of my mouth and curved upward into my cheek. More blood erupted from my face. It ran down my skin in a hot, gory torrent.

I gurgled incoherently. If I could have seen anything, my vision would have blurred. How was I to know that he gave me a smile: a Glasgow smile.

He continued to work on my face, the knife slicing nicks through the flesh as it would have through butter.

Why is this happening to me? I didn’t know. I certainly didn’t deserve it. Every Sunday, I sat in the front pew of Father John’s services, and every Wednesday, I would venture down to the Food Bank to help those who were less fortunate.

Tears coursed down my bloody cheeks. I could barely feel my face anymore.

“You were always such a star, Beth,” he cooed as one who bore amorous affection for the other would. “Even when I found you on the streets of White Chaple in the 1800s. Even if they did pay for the experience, I could not allow those men to have that sort of knowledge. You were mine all those times as you are now. Mine.“

At that moment, a wonderous feeling overcame me. I knew that I would die. The only hope that I had was that he would leave me where someone could find me. I did not want to be lost to my family.

As he lit a candle next to me, I finally saw my attacker for what he was. His sharp teeth–reminiscent of a Great White shark’s maw–sparkled in the luminescent light. It was his eyes that affected me the most. They were the blackest orbs that I have ever seen.

It was his eyes that affected me the most. They were the blackest orbs that I have ever seen and no pupils or whites in them. There was no emotion in those black voids.

“They will love you this time,” he cooed as he plunged the knife into my knee. “Maybe, I will even leave you in the same place as last time. Where was it? Near Leimert Park? How you opened yourself up to me then.”

The pain became too much, and darkness overtook me once more as I remembered my past experiences with him.

I used a writing prompt from Every Writer.

 

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ARC : Darling Dark (Infernal Regions One)

Book: Darling Dark (Infernal Regions One) by Natalie Bennet

Genre: Dark Paranormal | Fantasy

Published: N/A

Pages: 137

Summary: It started with a cruel twist of fate.

Trapped in a dark world inhabited by savages and ruled by the corrupted –Duvessa finds herself bound to a tyrant. Day in and day out she bears witness to just how cold and vicious her husband-to-be truly is. His iron fist rule strikes fear in the masses.

Reyes is ruthless and volatile –he incites both fear and inexplicable passion among those in his wake. Just as her feelings for the seductively cruel Reyes begin to grow, she learns nothing is at it appears to be. With already so much to fear, could there be something darker, more sinister lying in wait? Will Reyes dark secrets tear them apart?

Authors Note- This book is part of a series that will have a nontraditional HFA. This series will start dark and grow darker, explicit sexual scenes, language and power exchange. If such material bothers you, please do not purchase.

Book Review: This is the first time that I have reviewed an Advance Review Copy, and since it will be further edited before released, I will not remark on grammar or structure. This will be a review of the story and characters and how well they work together, and the ratings will be based on the plot, characters, and how well I feel that they work.

At the beginning, Bennett included a glossary of words that is used in the novel. I have found this to be invaluable as I had returned to it a few times during my reading.

Having researched demons, I recognized some of the names in this. Having these names in this made me able to relate to the other characters. For those who are familiar with demons, these were nice “easter-eggs”.

There are incubi, succubae, werewolves, and vampires in this. Although I feel that the paranormal genre is oversaturated with vampires, I like that Bennett’s version of them are unique to this tale. She handles the “vampire” supporting characters well.

When we were introduced to Duvessa Vasiel, I feel as though the character herself is very real. I like the emotions that she had in the first chapter. She felt as if she was resigned to her fate.

As I got further into the novel, Duvessa’s character seemed to evolve into a courageous woman. There is a particular scene where we witness her fight against someone giving her something. However, this scene had a touch of realism to it as  Duvessa was overwhelmed.

Even in the face of her prospective husband, she demands answers to a couple questions. I kept wondering if her courage would leave her as she is faced with his atrocities or perhaps she will grow to appreciate his cruelty.

I do not want to give away to much of the setting as I hate to do such things in reviews. The setting itself was what I envisioned such a dark place to be. It is ruled by the “King”, and he prefers it the way that it is. I feel that the description was well done as I was able to envision the buildings, as well as the environment.

I liked that this was not your typical happy-ever-after story. The male character is not someone you can root for, but it shows that even he can fall in love. Oh, what a twisted love, it is.

I do think that the characters and plot work well together.

I enjoyed the copy that I was sent, and I encourage any reader who loves a good dark paranormal novel to keep on the lookout for this.

Verdict: 

Each category below can earn a maximum of five stars. At the beginning of the review, every novel starts with a maximum of 1 ★ (star). The novel can earn a total of 5 stars.

DISCLAIMER AND DISCLOSURE. An Advance REVIEW COPY OF THIS BOOK WAS PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR AND | OR PUBLISHER. The author has indicated that it is not the final edit of the above novel.

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Book Review – Camouflage – Lost and Found

Book: Camouflage – Lost and Found by Mariyam Hasnain

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Published: September 18th, 2016

Pages: 250

Summary: “She looked gorgeous in off white bathrobe clung to her voluptuous wet body with her wet hair clumsily wrapped in a white towel. I couldn’t take my eyes off her shiny toned long legs protruding out of the knee-length bathing gown as she led me in. I felt envious of the water droplets still hovering on her waxed legs.”

Thailand 2013, Mark a corporate executive quits his job and migrates to the city of Bangkok where he meets the love of his life. Sheina is the girl of his dreams, young gorgeously pretty, and his next door neighbor. Mark falls for Sheina, though unknown of the future.

What follows next is the deadly game of drugs, sex, and deceit as Mark discovers that his very own neighbor is not all what she claims to be.

Set in contemporary Bangkok, city of temples and brothels, Camouflage is an insightful must read for all those who are embarking on their first trip or a seasoned traveler to Thailand.

Book Review: I liked the way that this opened. As I was expecting it go one way, it went the complete opposite. There is description in the first chapter, but it doesn’t feel as if it is heavy handed. The descriptive language blends nicely, and it does not slow the pace of the opening chapter.

The author wrote in the first person point of view, so we are able to place ourselves in the protagonist’s shoes. This is a good thing as it makes the novel relatable to its characters.

Hasnain has a commanding grasp on vocabulary. While I found this an easy to read, for some other readers, they may need to break out the dictionary. That, in itself, is a good thing.

I did like the interactions between the characters. There were times when it seemed awkward, however. I found the character of Sheina to be slightly annoying at first. This might be because I felt as if she were making fun of Mark with a piece of dialog telling him that he was talking like a man now.

As for the setting, I have never been to Bangkok. I cannot comment on the accuracy of the setting. However, the descriptions and wording make it feel like a busy “big city.” I am sure that a traveler familiar or an amateur traveler who is fascinated with Bangkok would enjoy this setting. For myself, Bangkok is an exotic location, and I always enjoy reading about cities that I have never been to.

I will say that there were times that the dialog didn’t flow that well. It left me feeling slightly disjointed reading it. However, I was able to overlook it as I wanted to know more about the story.

I would recommend this novel to anyone who has traveled to Bangkok or who enjoys reading a romance novel set in an exotic location.

 

Verdict: 

Each category below can earn a maximum of five stars. At the beginning of the review, every novel starts with a maximum of 1 ★ (star). The novel can earn a total of 5 stars.

 

DISCLAIMER AND DISCLOSURE. A REVIEW COPY OF THIS BOOK WAS PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR AND | OR PUBLISHER.

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Book Review – From the Shadow

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BOOK: From the Shadow by Jessica Jesinghause

GENRE: Romance Suspense | Horror

PUBLISHED: July 18th, 2016

PAGES: 309

SUMMARY: What makes a man a monster?

For too long Jacob has lived in isolation. Forsaken by God and cursed by a Shadow, he is doomed to a eternity of solitude with only the demons of his past for company. For nearly two hundred years, he has longed for that which he knows he can never have: forgiveness, love, and redemption.

A chance encounter could hold the key…

When Jacob meets Lynn, she shines a ray of hope across his bleak existence. But will she be strong enough to shoulder the truth of his past? Can she forgive the horrors he has wrought? Can she help him come to terms with his past and move with him into a brighter future?

An old nemesis threatens…

Confronted by an ancient enemy, Lynn and Jacob travel halfway around the world. There, they face the daunting task of sifting through ancient history for clues to their tormentor’s weaknesses and a way to loose his grip on their future.

What good can come From the Shadow?

Book Review – I normally review shorter books, but From the Shadows was a longer novel that I enjoyed reading, as well as reviewing.

From the Shadows has twelve chapters, and each of these chapters is referred to as Books, as such, I will refer to the sections the way that the author prefers: books. I love this idea.

Book 1 started off well. It managed to reign me in and hold my attention. From the beginning, I wanted to know more about the ancient evil and why it was what it was. I also felt pity for this character and the choices that it had to make.

One of my favorite parts of this was the initial introduction between Jacob and Lynn. The atmosphere of this scene was well written. I really felt for Jacob here, and then I came to like Lynn as well.

Although this novel has a dark vibe to it, the connection between the two main characters left me feeling happy, as a romance should. It was touching.

I would recommend this novel to anyone who likes a paranormal romance with nuances of horror in it.

Verdict

Each category below can earn a maximum of five stars. At the beginning of the review, every novel starts with a maximum of 1 ★ (star). The novel can earn a total of 5 stars.

 

Disclaimer and Disclosure. A REVIEW COPY OF THIS BOOK WAS PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR AND | OR PUBLISHER.

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Book Review – Darkest Obsessions

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Book: Darkest Obsession by Sherry Smith

Genre: Romance

Published: August 25th, 2016

Pages: 293 Pages

Summary: All Sadie wanted was a normal life and when her ex-boyfriend, Matthew, was finally sent to jail she thought she could start that normal life in a little village on the Scottish Borders.

Tom, a small county veterinary had spent the last five years just surviving. A tragic accident had left him riddled with guilt. But when the beautiful Sadie Buchanan waltzed into her parents cafe, his meaning for life is questioned. Now he has to overcome his demons before he can start living again.

But Matthew has already hurt Sadie before, would he allow Sadie to have the happiness she always longed for……

Book Review: The novel opens with a pivotal scene, and we are given glimpses of why the female protagonist is like she is. Sadie reminds me of any woman who has been through her situation.

Coming from a “police officer” oriented family, I felt sympathetic to Sadie as I know the long US procedure that she would have to go through. However, I don’t know the justice system in Scotland to comment too much on that. I felt as if this part of the story was well researched. Sadie’s reactions were accurate in this situation, and despite what she went through, she seemed to be a feisty lady.

I often open my reviews by talking of the pacing of the first chapter. I believe this is important as it draws a reader such as myself into the story. If the pacing is well written, it hooks the reader. Chapter One of Darkest Obsession managed to do that, making me want to finish the novel.

I’ve often wanted to live in a village like Pelancy. There is something about small towns that always drew my attention, and Pelancy was no different. When I read the introductory chapters featuring Pelancy, I had hoped that Sadie would find peace here.

I loved how laid back Tom seemed. The Vet seemed to be a perfect fit for Sadie, and I wondered how he would react if he knew of Sadie’s recent past.

The antagonist was a real piece of work. As someone who coveted another person as their own, I think his actions were portrayed realistically.

Sadie’s character growth was essential to keeping my interest. Her inner strength grew as the novel continued on. She tapped into this power and showed that she moved on from the person at the beginning of the novel to a strong woman at the end.

I would recommend Darkest Obsession to anyone who enjoys a story of a woman overcoming her past. Getting the guy, in the end, is just a bonus.

 

Verdict:

Each category below can earn a maximum of five stars. At the beginning of the review, every novel starts with a maximum of 1 ★ (star). The novel can earn a total of 5 stars.

 

Disclaimer and Disclosure. A REVIEW COPY OF THIS BOOK WAS PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR AND | OR PUBLISHER.

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Book Review – FERTS

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Book:  FERTS by Grace Hudson

Genre: Dystopian

Published: June 27, 2015

Pages: 188 pages

Summary:

The Forkstream Territories surrounding the Elan river comprise the surviving townships in the wake of post-war chaos. FERTS is the sole containment facility for the protection of females from mercenaries, its location safely hidden from the sparse remaining population.

Within the facility, the female Internees are chosen as ‘Vassals’, transported to the townships to service the male Resident Citizens. The Beta and Omega Circuits of FERTS are divided according to attractiveness and fertility ratings, while the lower rating Internees are chosen for hard labor in Kappa or as fighters to represent FERTS in the monthly Epsilon Games, against deadly opponents with a taste for pain.

When Beth 259201 is demoted to Epsilon Circuit after failing to follow a simple regulation, she faces certain death. A novice, lacking the necessary skills, 201 must rely on her intellect alone to survive.

Reader Discretion: Reader discretion advised: This book contains sex/violence, and memories of abuse.

Book Review: FERTS explores the dynamic of an oppressive world trying to subjugate women by their looks and the strength needed to break free.

With its action-oriented first chapter, FERTS starts off soundly and promising. At once, I am drawn into how the Officer introduced will develop.

Unfortunately, the pace the first chapter was moving at was killed by the large blocks of exposition in Chapter 2. The information that was gained could have been broken up by showing the readers rather than telling in later chapters or even in the first.

The characters are memorable. I did like how  Beth 259212 grew, as well as 201.

I liked the imagery that CH 47 conveyed. It returned to that quick pace of the first chapter and grabbed my attention.

Overall, this novel captured my attention. I would recommend it to anyone who likes the Dystopian genre.

Each category below can earn a maximum of five stars. At the beginning of the review, every group starts with a maximum of 1 ★ (star). The novel can earn a total of 5 stars.

Characters – ★★★★

Cover – ★★★

Plot – ★★★

Ending – ★★★

Originality – ★★★★

Overall – ★★★★

Disclaimer and Disclosure. This book was bought by me from Amazon.com through BooksGoSocial Book Review Club, a Facebook group. All opinions are my own, and I have received no payment for the review.

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Author Interview : Animesh Anand

Hello, Animesh. I hope that you have had a wonderful day. 

I want to take this time and thank you for taking the time in taking this interview with me today.

Can I start off by asking you how long have you been writing, Animesh?

A. For self I had been writing since 4 years.

Q. I know that you have mentioned to me that your novel, Xauranian Zodiacs, will be out at the end of this year. How long have you been writing it?

A. First of all the complete name of my book is, “Xauranian Zodiacs: Rise of the Rustic Exile”.. It has taken me 3 years to write it. One year took for collecting required information for my topic, another year it took to complete my first draft and final year for editing.

Q. What type of software do you use to write your books?

A. Usually first of all I prefer writing it on paper because I’m not at all good at typing and slow typing leads to many lacking and first draft need free mind and hand. And finally I use MS Word for typing.

Q. What problems if any did you encounter?

A. Though teenagers have their own problems so similar was in my case. Lack of time, concentration, and of course most of family members thinks I’m wasting my time. Yet I never tend to skip my mind from my book since I have given many precious hours to it. Though after sometime they too start supporting me.

Q. How do you think you’ve evolved as a writer?

A. I have spent most of time in writing and promoting and various other things required for the book to bring successfully in the market. I love being an writer than any other thing. If fate favors me I would like to be a full time author.

Q. Is there anything that you would tell yourself when you started writing?

A. I knew nothing about writing when i started except that I wanted to write and write.

Q. Do you structure your plots with an outline or do you “just write”?

A. After completing my first draft I made an outline in order to scramble my content and scenes in order to provide better flow to it.

Q. Do you work on a set amount of words per day? If you do, do you often met your quota?

A. I set 2000 words as my quota. However, sometime it crosses to 3000 and sometime as less as 100. It depends on the free time and obviously my mood. Because off mood can led the scenes to off sink.

Q. Do you do a lot of research when writing a book?

A. Until I’m satisfied that my content is unique I keep on researching. And if got a content I tend to research for any kind of requirements that is needed. If while writing I tend to lack something, I pause and go for researching again before resuming.

Q. What time of day do you find it best to write?

A. Whenever my mind is free of any queries and quarrel. I prefer specially at night, when there is nobody except I and my story.

Q. Almost every author has an inspiration. Do you have one, and who or what is it?

A. If anybody ask me of inspiration, man I’m a die heart fan of Indian mythologies, ‘Ramayana’ and ‘Mahabharata’ and that’s why I choose mythology to form the base for my story. I prefer mythologies of other religion too. I am inspired from J. R. R. Tolkien and J. K. Rowling. They are best I consider in my life. Talking about Xauranian Zodiacs, it is inspired from ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy by J. R. R. Tolkien.

Q. What draws you to your genre?

A. My first book, Xauranian Zodiacs, mainly falls in fantasy genre, though their are more than one love stories in the story and even it has some mythological essence too. So its difficult for me to decide. I would say that mine all inspiration are brought altogether by me into the same. Hence, I will agree that my inspiration and love for mythology draws me towards my genre.

Q. Do you have the front cover for your novel finished? If so, who designed it?

A. My publisher has said that they will make one for the story, so still I don’t have any.

Q. How do you think you will market your book?

A. This is the question, that haunted my mind the most and still does as I am going to self publish my book. Its all depends on finding the niche market for the book. I have choose social media to market my book. I will try some physical stores to sell my book. I am also trying to contact my fellow authors, friends and family members to help me going through it. I have half a dozen blogger in my contact who are ready to promote my book. I write story on wattpad. I also have started my blog few days back; well I’m still working on it. And yeah, video trailer for sure..

Q. If you are given a bad review, how do you think you will react?

A. Now this is the best question I always like to face because I love my critics the most. For sure a bad review are not at all liked but they don’t speak lies rather point out my lackings and mistakes. Its on me that i must not overreact the review but improve myself so that they must not complain for same for next time.

Q. Have you thought how you will publish your book and where?

A. Well I have chose a self-publishing firm to publish my book, since I’m impatient to face the delays of traditional publisher. Now everything depends on me to make my book a success and I’m working on it. It will be available on Amazon, some of physical stores and many more place which my publishers are going to select.

Q. What do you think are the benefits of being an independent author?

A. I prefer being an independent author as their are many benefits, like we don’t need to face painful rejection of traditional publisher for my hard work. I have complete control over how my book should reach my audience and in what condition. You get 100% Royalties. And the most important thing I hate editors to play with the content of my book. So I prefer copyediting and proofreading only for I want my audience to like me for what my pure way of writing is.

Q. Who is your favorite author?

A. J. R. R. Tolkien and J. K. Rowling.

Q. What was the first book that you read?

A. Leaving the book that was provided to me at school as subjects such as Shakespeare’s drama, Gulliver Travel, The Invisible Man, Animal Farm, etc. I read Hobbit for first time purely for the interest of novel reading. Well I too prefer comics since I like an action packed story.

Q. Which do you prefer: a tablet or a physical book?

A. Physical Book. But since tablet today has more boon, I prefer it too.

Q. Do you have any tips for any aspiring authors?

A. Don’t stop writing; be passionate about it. Writing is the toughest thing if you think you can become a full time author. Read more and more but remember do not copy anyone. Write everyday no matter it is just one page. Do not think that you can’t because in the journey to become an author many other and ever your mind will make you think that you can’t. Just remember you have spent many hours at the back of it and you can’t let anyone decide for the future of your hard work because it depends on you, how you write and how much audiences you can attract.

Q. And, finally, where can we find you on social media? Do you have a website?

A. You can find me on..

Facebook-https://mobile.facebook.com/animesh.a...

Twitter- @ainianand37

Instagram- @unveilanim

Blog- http://www.satanscribbler.WordPress.com

Wattpad- @unveilanim

E-mail- ainianand.37@gmail.com

The post Author Interview : Animesh Anand appeared first on Lydia Larue.

Why Romance? Why not?

This blog entry is later than I would have liked to create it.

Today has been crazy. My husband had a terrible migraine, and my daughter was a wee bit unorganized tonight. To say that I was swamped would be an understatement.

I want to talk about why I picked this genre.

When I had turn ten so many years ago, I went on vacation to visit my uncle and my aunt. My uncle was in the military, and my aunt was one of my favorite people in my family. During that summer, I made friends with the next door neighbor.

The friend gave me a large box full of Harlequin romance novels. That was my first brush with the nuances of written love.

I was always a romantic, a dreamer of the fantastic. I grew up on the classic children’s movies from Disney. However, although I dreamed of a relationship, I decided to wait until I finished schooling.

Of course, I had various boyfriends, but nothing I would consider serious.

It was not until I was twenty that I met my husband. My initial encounter with him was something out of the movies.

Do you, the reader, believe in love at first sight? I can safely say that I do. I fell in love with him the moment that I saw him.  We have been together for a long time, almost sixteen years now.

As the years passed, we experienced tribulations. However, if we are honest, without those trials, we would not be where we are.

My relationship with my husband is the inspiration behind most of the male characters that I create.

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